Apparatus for delivering multiple forms of electromagnetic radiation and method for its use

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for delivering multiple forms of electromagnetic radiation and method for its use are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method for providing treatment using electromagnetic radiation therapy. The method comprises receiving a power input initiating a radiation unit. The radiation unit comprises one or more light emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, and a frequency generator. The light emitting diodes are initiated to provide emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous wave form mode and the laser diodes are initiated to provide for emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous wave form mode. The frequency generator is controlled to provide a frequency generator waveform at a frequency to convert the output of the laser diodes from continuous wave form mode to pulse wave form mode, maintain the output of the light emitting diodes in continuous wave form mode, and cause emission of an electromagnetic field proximate the radiation unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/884,475, filed Sep. 17, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/243,696, filed Sep. 18, 2009 and U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/316,701, filed Mar. 23, 2010, which are herebyincorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus fordelivering multiple forms of electromagnetic radiation, and methods forusing the apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A light emitting diode, or LED, is formed from a semiconducting materialhaving a p-n junction. The p-n junction creates an electric field thatseparates charge carriers, namely free electrons and holes. When anelectron reaches a hole, the two recombine and release energy in theprocess which generates a photon. The photon generally has a specificwavelength based on the band gap energy of the materials used to formthe p-n junction. In particular, the materials used to form an LED havea direct band gap that corresponds to electromagnetic energies near thevisible spectrum.

Other techniques may be used to cause the emission of electromagneticradiation. One such technique is known as light amplification bystimulated emission of radiation, or a laser. Typically, theelectromagnetic radiation emitted from a laser is in the form of photonsof light energy that are monochromatic, meaning they have the samewavelength. The photons are also generally coherent and travel in a verytight beam toward the same direction.

One specific type of laser is known as a laser diode. A laser diode is atype of laser formed from a semiconductor much like an LED. Laser diodesdiffer, however, in that they employ an optical cavity that confines theemitted light into a very narrow line like a laser and may employ lensesto form a collimated beam. Thus, unlike LEDs, laser diodes exhibit thesame properties described above that define a laser.

Laser diodes and LEDs may be used for treating patients in variousfields of medicine including dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology,gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, orthopedics, etc. The currentmethods for employing laser diodes and LEDs in treating patients inthese fields, however, suffer from various drawbacks. Some techniquesuse very low frequencies that may be too low to be optimally effectivein treatment. Other techniques require significantly higher frequenciesto be effective, which may be dangerous and uncomfortable for patientsdue to the higher operating temperatures and additional heat that isemitted.

Many electromagnetic radiation therapy devices are too limiting,allowing the production of radiation output of only a single type,frequency, wavelength, etc. Furthermore, the devices allow only a staticform of treatment, meaning that the selected type, frequency,wavelength, etc., of the radiation device may not be adjusted, added, orremoved during operation of the device for treatment. Due to the variousdrawbacks of these devices, a patient generally will require recurringtreatments as the derived benefit only lasts for a short duration oftime.

Therefore, there is a strong need in the art for producing a radiationdevice for treating patients using laser diodes and LEDs that overcomesthe above-mentioned and other disadvantages and deficiencies of previoustechnologies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of an apparatus for delivering multiple forms ofelectromagnetic radiation are herein disclosed. These embodiments of theinvention overcome one or more of the above-described disadvantagesassociated with previous technologies. Embodiments of the inventionprovide several advantages for production of a radiation device thatimproves treatment and limits the cost required for its production.

According to an example embodiment of the invention, an apparatus forproviding treatment using electromagnetic radiation therapy is provided.The apparatus comprises one or more light emitting diodes configured toprovide for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous waveform. The apparatus further comprises one or more laser diodesconfigured to provide for the emission of electromagnetic radiation incontinuous wave form. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a frequencygenerator configured to provide a frequency generator waveform at afrequency. The frequency generator waveform converts the electromagneticradiation of the one or more laser diodes from continuous wave form topulse wave form and maintains the electromagnetic radiation of the oneor more light emitting diodes in continuous wave form. Additionally, thefrequency generator is further configured to cause the emission of anelectromagnetic field proximate the apparatus.

According to another example embodiment of the invention, a method isdisclosed for providing treatment using electromagnetic radiationtherapy. The method comprises receiving a power input initiating aradiation unit. The radiation unit comprises one or more light emittingdiodes, one or more laser diodes, and a frequency generator. The methodfurther comprises initiating the one or more light emitting diodes toprovide for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous waveform mode. Additionally, the method comprises initiating the one or morelaser diodes to provide for the emission of electromagnetic radiation incontinuous wave form mode. The method further comprises controlling thefrequency generator to provide a frequency generator waveform at afrequency to convert the output of the one or more laser diodes fromcontinuous wave form mode to pulse wave form mode, maintain the outputof the one or more light emitting diodes in continuous wave form mode,and cause the emission of an electromagnetic field proximate theradiation unit.

Another example embodiment of the invention is directed to a method forproviding radiation treatment. The method comprises providing continuouswave electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength. Additionally, themethod comprises providing pulse wave electromagnetic radiation of asecond wavelength. The method further comprises providing anelectromagnetic field of a third wavelength. The first, second, andthird wavelengths are different from one another. The continuous waveelectromagnetic radiation, the pulse wave electromagnetic radiation, andthe electromagnetic field are provided simultaneously by a singledevice.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing someexample embodiments of the invention so as to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it will beappreciated that the above described example embodiments should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way morerestrictive than as defined by the specification and appended claims. Itwill be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses manypotential embodiments, some of which will be further described below, inaddition to those here summarized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a radiation apparatus in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a radiation apparatusin accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart according to an example embodiment of amethod for using a radiation apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Those skilledin this art will understand that the invention may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The radiation apparatus 5 according to the present invention may providelaser therapy through the combination of multiple types ofelectromagnetic radiation in a single device. The radiation apparatus 5may allow a user to determine the desired combination among laser energyand other types of electromagnetic energy according to a patient's levelof pain in addition to the level of inflammation. In certainembodiments, a user may be able to raise or lower the frequency of theradiation output according to the level of pain experienced by thepatient alone. According to embodiments of the present invention, thetype, form, frequency, and amount of radiation output may be adjustedduring the operation of the radiation apparatus 5, without any sideeffects and at very low cost.

Within the application of treating pain and inflammation, the presentinvention may further be directed to treating cardiac cells affected bycardiac injury, for instance for treating a patient who suffers amyocardial infarction. Treatments based on the combination of variousforms of electromagnetic radiation as in the present radiation apparatus5 may decrease the infarct size, ventricular dilation post-myocardialinfarction, and the size of the septum, among other things. Furthermore,similar treatment using the present invention may be provided to othertypes of muscle, skeletal and soft tissue as well as smooth muscle,which may assist in treatment of colitis, colitis ulcerosa, Crohn'sdisease, inflammation of the jejunum, and other chronic diseases.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a radiation apparatus 5 inaccordance with the present invention. The radiation apparatus 5 maycomprise elements that emit light radiation energy. According to variousembodiments, the light emitting elements may include one or more lightemitting diodes (LEDs) 10. The LEDs 10 may be selected based on thewavelength of the light they emit. In some embodiments, each LED 10 mayemit the same or approximately the same wavelength of radiation as theother LEDs 10. Alternatively, one or more LEDs 10 may emit radiation ofa different wavelength than one or more other LEDs 10. In fact, anynumber of different types of LEDs 10 emitting different wavelengths ofradiation may be used in combination in the same radiation apparatus.

The selection of an LED 10 of a given wavelength may be based on theform of treatment desired to be achieved by the radiation apparatus.According to example embodiments, the LEDs 10 may be selected such thatthe wavelength of the emitted light is within the range of 635 to 650nm, for example 650 nm. In such example embodiments, the LEDs 10 mayemit radiation in the form of visible light, in particular red light. Itshould be understood that the present invention is not limited to LEDs10 emitting radiation of this wavelength and may include LEDs 10 thatemit radiation at any wavelength, including radiation of otherwavelengths within the visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, ultravioletspectrum, broad spectrum (such as white light), and beyond.

According to various embodiments, the light emitting elements maycomprise one or more laser diodes 15. The laser diode elements 15 may bechosen based on the wavelength of the light they emit. In someembodiments, each laser diode 15 may emit the same or approximately thesame wavelength of radiation as the other laser diodes 15.Alternatively, one or more laser diodes 15 may emit radiation of adifferent wavelength than one or more other laser diodes 15. In fact,any number of different types of laser diodes 15 emitting differentwavelengths of radiation may be used in combination in the sameradiation apparatus.

The selection of a laser diode 15 of a given wavelength may be based onthe form of treatment desired to be achieved by the radiation apparatus.According to example embodiments, the laser diodes 15 may be selectedsuch that the wavelength of the emitted light is within the range of 780to 785 nm, for example 785 nm. In such example embodiments, the laserdiodes 15 may emit radiation in the form of infrared radiation, which isinvisible to the human eye. It should be understood that the presentinvention is not limited to laser diodes 15 emitting radiation of thiswavelength and may include laser diodes 15 that emit radiation at anywavelength, including radiation of other wavelengths within the infraredspectrum, visible spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, broad spectrum (suchas white light), and beyond.

According to an example embodiment, the radiation apparatus 5 comprisesa combination of one or more LED 10 elements and one or more laser diode15 elements. In alternative embodiments, the radiation apparatus maycomprise only laser diodes 15. The LEDs 10 and laser diodes 15 may bearranged in a matrix layout. The number of LEDs 10 and laser diodes 15in the radiation unit may be varied to achieve a particular treatmentobjective. In an example embodiment, the radiation unit may comprise 64LEDs 10 and 64 laser diodes 15. Although these embodiments employ thesame number of LEDs 10 and laser diodes 15, alternatively, the number ofLEDs 10 may differ from the number of laser diodes 15. The LEDs 10 andlaser diodes 15 may be arranged in the matrix in a number of rows andcolumns, for example 16 rows and 8 columns. An example embodiment of abase laser radiation unit that may be modified according to the presentinvention is the Hyper Photon 3D from Medical Electronics GmbH. It isappreciated that various other types of base laser radiation units maybe modified according to the present invention.

According to some embodiments, the LEDs 10 and laser diodes 15 may bedisposed along the inside of a curved surface of the radiation apparatus5, for example a surface that approximates a lateral half of a cylinder.In some embodiments, each LED 10 and laser diode 15 may be positionedsuch that the radiation from the element emits toward the axis of thecylinder. The LEDs 10 and laser diodes 15 may be spaced evenly along thecurve. In example embodiments, the distance between the centers of twoadjacent elements may be approximately 20 mm. The length of the arc of arow of elements may be 290 mm and have a sagittal distance of 90 mm.According to these example embodiments, the curvature radius of a rowmay be approximately 160 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each radiationelement may be either a light emitting diode 10 or a laser diode 15.

In certain embodiments, the radiation apparatus 5 may further includeadditional elements for controlling the radiation emitting elements, asshown in the schematic representation of FIG. 2. The radiation apparatus5 may comprise for example, a power supply element 205, a time controlelement 210, an internal safety control element 215, a poly/alphafrequency generator element 220, one or more buffer and protection logicelements 225, one or more laser power control elements 230, a laserradiator area element 235, and/or the like. Although not shown, theradiation apparatus 5 may also include various other components forcontrolling and powering the radiation apparatus 5 and its radiationelements, for example a processing device (e.g., a processor,controller, and/or the like). It will be appreciated that one or more ofthese radiation apparatus 5 components may be located remotely from oneanother. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combined andadditional components performing functions described herein may beincluded.

According to example embodiments, the radiation apparatus 5 may furthercomprise a frequency generator 240, or modulator. The frequencygenerator 240 may be used to generate an electrical waveform as an inputto the radiation apparatus 5. According to certain embodiments, thefrequency generator 240 may be external to the radiation apparatus 5.The external frequency generator 240 may be any commercially availablefrequency generator 240 that can be connected or disconnected based onthe type of treatment to be applied. An example of such an externalfrequency generator 240 is model MXG 9802 manufactured by Voltcraft(Lindenweg 15, D-92242 Hirschau/Germany). In embodiments with anexternal frequency generator 240, an output of the frequency generator240 may be connected to an input of the radiation apparatus 5, forexample via an optional input jack 20. The optional input jack 20 of theradiation apparatus 5 may be a type of pin connector commonly used inelectrical instruments that accepts inputs in the form of a plug.According to alternative embodiments, the frequency generator 240 may bea component internal to the radiation apparatus 5 and connected to oneor more of the other internal components of the radiation apparatus 5.

According to certain embodiments, a user of the radiation apparatus 5may be able to control the output waveform of the frequency generator240. In particular, the frequency generator 240 may have an accessiblecontrol that allows a user to increase or decrease the frequency of theoutput waveform during the operation of the radiation apparatus 5.Additionally, in certain embodiments, the frequency generator 240 mayhave a toggle control such that the frequency generator 240 may beinitiated or terminated during the operation of the radiation apparatus5. In these embodiments, the frequency generator 240 may bealternatively initiated and terminated as many times as desired duringthe operation of the radiation apparatus 5.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart according to an example method for usingthe radiation apparatus 5 according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention. Other embodiments of the present invention may usedifferent steps or different variations of the radiation apparatus 5.Accordingly, the described example of FIG. 3 is provided forillustrative purposes only and should not be taken in any way aslimiting embodiments of the present invention to the example provided.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, at operation 305 aradiation apparatus may receive an electrical power input. The powerinput may be provided by an external voltage source such as a standardwall socket supplying mains power, for example an alternating current(AC) voltage source in the range of 110 to 250 volts at a frequency of50-60 hertz (Hz). Alternatively, the power supply may be an internalpower supply that allows the radiation apparatus 5 to benefit from addedmobility.

At operation 310, the components of the radiation apparatus 5 mayprovide power to the radiation elements 10, 15 of the radiationapparatus 5. In certain embodiments, the LED elements 10 may beconfigured to receive power sufficient to produce a continuous waveradiation output at a power density of approximately 1 milliwatt percentimeter squared (mW/cm²). The laser diode elements 15 may beconfigured to receive power sufficient to produce a continuous waveradiation output at a power density of approximately 6 mW/cm². Accordingto various embodiments of the present invention, the intensity ofradiation for either the LED elements 10 or laser diode elements 15 mayrange from approximately 1 mW/cm² to approximately 55 mW/cm².

Operation 315 may comprise generating a waveform at a particularfrequency using the frequency generator 240. The waveform of thefrequency generator 240 may be applied to the radiation elements 10, 15of the radiation apparatus 5. According to an example embodiment, thefrequency generator 240 may apply the waveform to the radiation elements10, 15 via the one or more laser power control elements 230.Alternatively, the waveform of the frequency generator 240 may beapplied to the laser diodes 15 but not the LEDs 10. It will beappreciated that the waveform from the frequency generator 240 may beapplied to the radiation elements 10, 15 via various other components ofthe radiation apparatus 5.

At operation 320, the continuous wave output of the laser diodes 15 maybe converted to pulse wave output due at least in part to the waveformapplied by the frequency generator 240. According to variousembodiments, the frequency of the pulse wave of the laser diode 15radiation output may equal or approximate the frequency of the waveformsupplied by the frequency generator 240. As a result, the frequency ofthe pulse wave of the laser diodes 15 may be controlled by modifying thefrequency of the waveform supplied by the frequency generator 240. Thatis, the pulse rate of the laser diodes 15 may correspond closely oridentically with the frequency of the waveform of the frequencygenerator 240.

The output waveform of the frequency generator 240 may have anyfrequency desired, which may depend on the type of treatment to beprovided by the radiation apparatus 5. In certain embodiments, theoutput waveform of the frequency generator 240 may range from 0.1 hertzto over 2.5 megahertz (MHz). The frequency of the waveform of thefrequency generator 240, and therefore the frequency of the pulse waveoutput of the laser diodes 15, may be increased without compromising theintegrity of the pulse wave output of the laser diodes 15. Additionally,it may be possible to obtain pulses with variable repetition rates andpulse widths by controlling the frequency and shape of the modulatingwaveform of the frequency generator 240 as well as its duty cycle. Bychanging the laser diodes 15 output from continuous wave to pulse waveand adjusting its frequency, the radiation apparatus 5 may provideenhanced pain relief without any relation or dependence on thewavelength of the radiation output.

By using the method of the present invention, no additional componentsaside from the frequency generator 240 are required to convert thecontinuous wave output of the laser diodes 15 to pulse wave output. Inparticular, the conversion of the continuous wave output of the laserdiodes 15 to pulse wave output may be achieved without the use of alaser tube or pulse generator. That is, there is no need to bombard thelaser diodes 15 with different types of radiation to achieve theconversion, but rather the user need only modulate the continuous waveoutput of the laser diodes 15. As a result, the amount of energydelivered to the patient is not increased, as the output is simplymodulated. Thus, the present invention provides the advantages ofsimplicity, control, and reduced cost in comparison to the alternatives.

At operation 325, an electromagnetic field may be generated in closeproximity to the radiation apparatus 5. The electromagnetic field mayform as a result of enabling the frequency generator 240. In someembodiments, the electromagnetic field may be in the form of RFradiation, that is, radiation having a frequency in the range of 9kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). According to exampleembodiments, the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation may varydepending on the modulating frequency of the frequency generator 240.

In an example embodiment, the detectable intensity of theelectromagnetic field proximate the radiation apparatus 5 when thefrequency generator 240 is disabled may be approximately 0.3 volts permeter (V/m). In this example embodiment, when the frequency generator240 is enabled at a relatively low modulating frequency in the range ofapproximately 0.1 to 0.2 MHz, the intensity of the electromagnetic fieldmay be approximately 0.72 V/m. In this same example embodiment, when thefrequency generator 240 is enabled at a relatively high modulatingfrequency in the range of approximately 1 to 2.5 MHz, the intensity ofthe electromagnetic field may be approximately 1.73 V/m. Thus, theintensity of the electromagnetic field may increase at relatively highermodulating frequencies by approximately 250% more than at relativelylower modulating frequencies.

An unexpected result of the present invention is the fact that thecontinuous wave output of the LED elements 10 is not affected by thewaveform of the frequency generator 240. In certain embodiments, thefrequency generator 240 may be enabled thereby both converting thecontinuous wave output of the laser diodes 15 to pulse wave output andgenerating an electromagnetic field without affecting the continuouswave output of the LED elements 10. As a result, the radiation apparatus5 may simultaneously provide pulse wave laser diode output, continuouswave LED output, and an electromagnetic field output in a single devicewhen the frequency generator 240 is enabled.

As noted above, the frequency generator 240 may be enabled or disabledduring operation of the radiation apparatus 5 as desired in order toswitch the output of the laser diodes 15 back and forth between pulsewave and continuous wave. Additionally, the frequency generator 240 maybe enabled or disabled during operation of the radiation apparatus 5 toincrease or decrease the intensity of the electromagnetic fieldgenerated proximate the radiation apparatus 5. Similarly, the modulatingfrequency of the frequency generator 240 may be increased or decreasedduring operation of the radiation apparatus 5 as desired in order toincrease or decrease the pulse rate of the output pulse wave of thelaser diodes 15. The modulating frequency of the frequency generator 240may also be increased or decreased during operation of the radiationapparatus 5 as desired in order to increase or decrease the intensity ofthe electromagnetic field generated proximate the radiation apparatus 5.Accordingly, the output levels of the radiation apparatus 5 can beadjusted, namely via the frequency generator 240, thus enabling theradiation apparatus 5 to switch the laser diodes 15 outputs betweencontinuous wave and pulse wave, and to increase and decrease theelectromagnetic field proximate the radiation apparatus 5 without theneed for building separate devices. Additionally, the wavelengths of theradiation outputs of the LEDs 10 and the laser diodes 15 outputs may beadjusted for treatment of different pain or inflammation conditions.

The use of the example embodiment of the radiation apparatus 5 accordingto the example method provided, as well as additional embodiments of theradiation apparatus 5 and additional methods for using the radiationapparatus 5, may be useful in the field of laser therapy. In particular,the radiation apparatus 5 may be useful in the general treatment of bothpain and inflammation in a patient. According to certain embodiments,the continuous wave output of the LEDs 10 may provide anti-inflammationrelief. The continuous wave output of the laser diodes 15 may provideanalgesic relief. The pulse wave output of the laser diodes 15 maysimilarly provide analgesic relief. In some instances the pulse waveoutput of the laser diodes 15 provides greater analgesic relief than thecontinuous wave output of the laser diodes 15. Like the outputs of thelaser diodes 15, the electromagnetic field generated proximate theradiation apparatus 5 may also provide pain relief.

The radiation apparatus 5 according to the present invention is alsodirected to methods of treating pain generally. In several exampleembodiments, the present invention includes methods of treatingorthopedic pain, neurological pain, rheumatic pain, muscle pain, tendonpain, joint pain, nerve pain, as well as pain and inflammation ofsmooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, including cardiac pain andmyocardial infarction (MI). In some embodiments, treatment of the smoothmuscle may assist with treatment of colitis, colitis ulcerosa, Crohn'sdisease, inflammation of the jejunum, and other chronic diseases. Use ofthe frequency generator in the present invention will allow for apatient's pain relief to be varied over time.

In example embodiments, the radiation apparatus 5 may be positionedproximate the treatment area of the patient during operation. Inparticular, the radiation apparatus 5 may be positioned from one to teninches from the treatment area of the patient. According to alternativeembodiments, the radiation apparatus 5 may be pressed directly againstthe patient's skin, covering an area of approximately 20 cm×10 cm infront of the treatment area.

According to various embodiments, the combination of the three types ofradiation outputs may provide additional benefits over their separateuse. In particular, the combination of the electromagnetic field withthe laser diodes may improve pain treatments of a patient. The radiationoutput of the laser diodes 15 may lower the impedance of the target areaon a patient, in some embodiments by warming the target area, so thatthe RF radiation from the electromagnetic field may penetrate moredeeply and more easily into the target area. Such improved penetrationmay allow the RF radiation to reach the soft tissue of the patient atthe target area thereby increasing the intensity of the effect on thepatient. In particular, the more penetrating radiation outputs mayprovide significantly improved treatment on the peripheral nervoussystem, including the sympathetic system.

Pain alleviation may be felt by the patient when the modulatingfrequency of the frequency generator 240 is approximately 20 kHz andwhen the corresponding electromagnetic field intensity is 0.72 V/m.Generally, beyond this intensity, pain relief may be mainly due to theRF field, which is still weak enough not to produce erythema on skin. Inadditional embodiments of the present invention, the laser diodes 15 mayachieve pain relief when the modulating frequency is at least 10 kHz. Itis appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to acertain frequency range of the pulse wave laser diodes 15.

According to example embodiments, the radiation apparatus 5 according tothe present invention may achieve pain relief by applying a modulatingfrequency of approximately 1 to 2 MHz such that the pulse wave output ofthe laser diodes 15 achieves the same frequency pulse rate. Alternativesto the present invention are less favorable due to the use of low levellaser therapy, which is typically limited to noninvasive treatments upto 10 kHz. The present invention, however, may provide significantlyhigher frequencies of radiation output that will further reduce painbeyond the capacity of devices limited to 10 kHz.

Additionally, the operation of the present invention according to thedesign of the radiation apparatus 5 does not produce the expectednegative effects due to the higher frequencies used in the embodimentdescribed above. For example, unlike certain cosmetic devices used indermatological clinics that are limited to a single radiation output atvery high frequencies of 4 to 8 MHz, the present invention does notproduce additional heat or elevated temperatures that can be damaging tothe patient. The lack of additional heat output at the higher frequencyoutput may be a result of the ability of the present invention tomodulate the radiation outputs at higher frequencies without the need toincrease the overall energy of the radiation apparatus 5. Moreover, theuse of the present invention does not require invasive techniques suchas the injection of needles into the patient parallel to the targetnerve at high temperatures, as practiced with RF treatments in painclinics.

As noted above, an additional benefit in the treatment of patients withradiation apparatus 5 of the present invention is the ability tosimultaneously provide anti-inflammation and analgesic relief with asingle device. Due to the fact that the radiation outputs of the LEDs 10are not affected by the modulating waveform of the frequency generator240, the single radiation apparatus 5 of the present invention mayprovide the anti-inflammatory benefits of the LEDs 10 along with thepain-relieving benefits of the laser diodes 15 and the electromagneticfield. Of additional significance is the fact that the radiation outputof the LEDs 10 does not affect the ability of the frequency generator240 to modulate the pulse wave output of the laser diodes 15 at a givenfrequency or to increase the intensity of the electromagnetic field.

Through the use of the various forms of electromagnetic radiationoutputs at different wavelengths, the radiation apparatus 5 of thepresent invention may help achieve significant, if not complete,resolution of pain resulting from cardiac injury, such as a myocardialinfarction. The present invention may be useful not only for treatmentof patients with high risk of cardiac injury, but also, in certainembodiments, the present invention may be used to treat personssuffering from definite cardiac injury.

The use of the radiation apparatus 5 to provide laser therapy topatients suffering from or at risk of cardiac injury may enhance ATPsynthesis, mitochondrial survival and maintenance of cytochrome Coxidase activity, accelerate wound healing, promote skeletal muscleregeneration, decrease inflammatory response, reduce infarct size,reduce the size of the septum, reduce release of troponin, reduce scartissue, reduce ventricular dilatation, up-regulate key factors thatregulate angiogenesis and cardioprotection in the ischemic heart(vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible nitric oxidesynthase (iNOS)), elevate inducible heat shock protein (HSP70i),increase presence of loose matrix containing sparse collagen post MI,and induce proliferation of existing cardiac stem cells (CSCs), amongother things.

The present invention provides the additional benefit that it does notrequire the chest cavity to be open, or the skin removed to the side, toprovide treatment to patients with cardiac injury. That is, the presentinvention may treat a myocardial infarction and its effects withoutundertaking any invasive procedures. Instead, the radiation apparatus 5may be positioned closely above the patient's chest directed toward thepatient's heart. In one example embodiment the radiation apparatus 5 maybe placed very close to the patient's chest. In another preferredembodiment, the radiation apparatus 5 may be pressed directly againstthe patient's skin, covering an area of approximately 20 cm×10 cm infront of the heart. As a result of the combined effect of the variousforms of electromagnetic radiation along with the ability to change thewave mode of the laser diodes 15 (i.e., from continuous to pulse andback), the present invention may achieve penetration of the heartmuscle.

The administration of the radiation apparatus 5 treatment to the heartmay be made either before a patient's diagnosis of a myocardialinfarction, after the diagnosis, or both before and after diagnosis. Inseveral example embodiments, the radiation apparatus 5 of the presentinvention may be used to treat a patient suffering from symptoms relatedto a myocardial infarction. In these embodiments, the use of theradiation apparatus 5 may achieve reduction in the size of the ischemicarea of the patient's heart, reduction in any necrotic area of thepatient's heart, reduction in dilation of the left ventricle, andreduction in the size of the septum. In another example embodiment, theradiation apparatus 5 of the present invention may reduce the septum tonormal size.

Treatment with the radiation apparatus 5 may reduce blood viscosity fora limited period of time, thereby increasing oxidation and increasingblood supply to the heart. Such treatment according to the presentinvention may be used before, during, and after diagnosis of acutemyocardial infarction to achieve significant health benefits. Additionalbenefits may be accomplished by using the radiation apparatus 5 incombination with blood diluting medication, such as, for example,heparin.

The operation of the radiation apparatus 5 of the present invention issimple and reliable. It can easily be operated by any doctor, nurse, ortechnician seeking to treat a patient with several conditions generallyinvolving pain and inflammation. The present radiation apparatus 5 mayallow for improved treatment of pain and inflammation at lower costbecause, as previously mentioned, it operates without inputting moreenergy than is required for a laser device that solely operates incontinuous mode. Moreover, the radiation apparatus 5 may be embodied asa single device that does not require the use of expensive techniques toform a pulse wave from the continuous wave output of the laser diodes15.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, a computer,processor, controller, or the like may be connected to the radiationapparatus 5 to establish the proper treatment energy level in joules forthe particular medical syndrome to be treated. According to variousembodiments, the radiation apparatus 5 and the above treatment may beadministrated in addition to the conventional treatment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context ofcertain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it shouldbe appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functionsmay be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from thescope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of steps, elements, and/or materials than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. Althoughspecific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic anddescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A method for providing treatment usingelectromagnetic radiation therapy comprising: receiving a power inputinitiating a radiation unit, wherein the radiation unit comprises one ormore light emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, and a frequencygenerator; initiating the one or more light emitting diodes to providefor the emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous wave formmode; initiating the one or more laser diodes to provide for theemission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous wave form mode;controlling the frequency generator to provide a frequency generatorwaveform at a frequency to: convert the output mode of the one or morelaser diodes from continuous wave form mode to pulse wave form mode;maintain the output mode of the one or more light emitting diodes incontinuous wave form mode; and cause the emission of an electromagneticfield proximate the radiation unit.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: adjusting the frequency of the frequency generator waveformone or more times during a single treatment to adjust the pulse rate ofthe electromagnetic radiation of the one or more laser diodes; andwherein the pulse rate of the electromagnetic radiation of the one ormore laser diodes is substantially the same as the frequency of thefrequency generator waveform.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein therange of frequency of the frequency generator waveform is from about 0.1hertz to about 2.5 megahertz.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereincontrolling the frequency generator further comprises: initiating theoutput of the frequency generator waveform; and terminating the outputof the frequency generator waveform.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinthe output of the frequency generator waveform is initiated one or moretimes and the output of the frequency generator is terminated one ormore times during a single treatment.
 6. The method of claim 2, whereinincreasing the frequency of the frequency generator waveform increasesthe intensity of the electromagnetic field.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising positioning the radiation unit proximate a treatmentarea to simultaneously provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory relief.8. The method of claim 7, wherein the electromagnetic radiation of theone or more light emitting diodes and the electromagnetic radiation ofthe one or more laser diodes and the electromagnetic field provideanti-inflammatory relief and analgesic relief.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein: the electromagnetic radiation of the one or more light emittingdiodes primarily provides anti-inflammatory relief; and theelectromagnetic radiation of the one or more laser diodes and theelectromagnetic field primarily provide analgesic relief.
 10. The methodof claim 8, wherein the electromagnetic radiation of the one or morelaser diodes, the one or more light emitting diodes, and theelectromagnetic field provide at least one of an analgesic relief or ananti-inflammatory effect on one or more of skeletal muscle, cardiacmuscle, smooth muscle, soft tissue, or joints.
 11. The method of claim1, further comprising: positioning the radiation unit proximate cardiacmuscle to provide treatment related to at least one of cardiac injury ora cardiac related disease.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thecardiac injury or disease is related to at least one of epicarditis,myocarditis, a myocardial infarction, acute myocardial infarction, or acardiac insufficiency.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the treatmentprovides at least one of a reduction in size of the ischemic area of theheart, a reduction in the necrotic area of the heart, a reduction indilation of the left ventricle, or a reduction in the size of theseptum.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the treatment at least oneof improves cardiac transplantation or acts as a blood thinner.
 15. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising positioning the radiation unitproximate smooth muscle to provide treatment for a bowel relateddisease.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the bowel related diseasefor which treatment is provided is at least one of: colitis, colitisulcerosa, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), orinflammation of the jejunum.
 17. The method of claim 1, whereinproviding treatment using electromagnetic radiation therapy does notrequire any invasive techniques.
 18. A method for providing radiationtreatment comprising: providing continuous wave electromagneticradiation for a first wavelength; providing pulse wave electromagneticradiation of a second wavelength; and providing an electromagnetic fieldof a third wavelength, wherein the first, second and third wavelengthsare different from one another, and the continuous wave electromagneticradiation, the pulse wave electromagnetic radiation, and theelectromagnetic field are provided simultaneously by a single device.